What is the main purpose of a project scope statement?

The main purpose of a project scope statement is to outline the project scope, including inclusions and exclusions. This document serves as a critical foundation for the project, providing a clear and concise description of what the project will deliver and what is not included within its parameters. By clearly defining the boundaries of the project, the scope statement helps manage stakeholder expectations and ensures that all parties have a shared understanding of the project's objectives and deliverables.

It delineates the specific tasks, functions, and features that will be part of the project, and outlines any tasks or elements that are explicitly excluded. This clarity helps to prevent scope creep, which occurs when additional features or tasks are added without proper consideration or approval, potentially leading to delays and budget overruns.

While project goals and stakeholder engagement are important, they are more specific components or aspects of project planning rather than the core purpose of the scope statement itself. Evaluating project success is also essential but comes into play after the project is completed, not during the scope definition phase. Thus, the scope statement is fundamentally about defining the work that needs to be accomplished to meet project objectives.